NFL to Hire Replacement Referees

NFL owners have approved hiring replacement officials due to stalled negotiations with the referees’ union, which has a collective bargaining agreement expiring on May 31. Training for new officials is set to begin on May 1, as the league prepares for a potential lockout, having identified college officials for recruitment. The NFL has proposed a six-year deal with a 6.45% annual raise, while the union demands a 10% raise and increased marketing fees. Previous lockouts, such as the one in 2012, resulted in significant controversies, notably the “Fail Mary” game.

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